Doc gets probation for exposing self to patient

A doctor pleaded guilty to indecent exposure today in exchange for 18 months of probation after being accused of masturbating in front of a patient at his office on Richmond more than three years ago.

Heriberto Sedeno, 62, apologized to the victim and her adult son after admitting responsibility in the October 2006 incident.

In front of County Court-at-Law Judge Jay Karahan, the victim's son read a statement his mother wrote chastising the doctor: “Your actions will always haunt me. You are not to be trusted. You are not a doctor. You are a predator.”

Sedeno said he was sorry and told the judge he wanted to be a productive member of society.

“It was wrong,” he said.

Defense attorney Emily Munoz told Karahan the misdemeanor plea had been in negotiations since the Harris County District Attorney's office upgraded the charge to a felony of sexual assault in 2007.

“Although some people might think we got a good deal today, this was what he was originally charged with and what he should have always been charged with,” Munoz said after the hearing. “The prosecutors took a long, hard look at their case and made the decision that the evidence just was not there.”

Assistant Harris Prosecutor Lisa Baily told Karahan the victim wanted the doctor tried for a felony, but senior prosecutors reviewed the case and were satisfied with the Class B misdemeanor plea.

Munoz also said the victim sued Sedeno in 2007. That lawsuit still is pending.

In addition to counseling, 80 hours of community service and a $500 fine, the retired doctor must formally resign his medical license, Karahan ruled.